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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Running on Empty (Mending Hearts, #1) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
So I'm currently reading my backlog of books--the ones that have been on my kindle since late 2012/early 2013.
And I have to say why did I not read this sooner?! I loved it.
4.5 stars, instead of 5 simply because of all the giggling. I think even Blake giggled at one bit, which made me laugh but seemed rather surreal.
The story itself, though... God, I'm a sucker for a good romance and this was so heartfelt. He'd loved her forever and she ended up with someone else, so for them to get a second chance... *sigh* I was having a good swoon over this one.
I'm not always a fan of children in my romance books but how could I not love these three? They were adorable! I couldn't stop smiling/laughing throughout at some of the stuff that came out of the kids mouths and just in general.
This was definitely something I enjoyed and I look forward to reading more books by the author.
And I have to say why did I not read this sooner?! I loved it.
4.5 stars, instead of 5 simply because of all the giggling. I think even Blake giggled at one bit, which made me laugh but seemed rather surreal.
The story itself, though... God, I'm a sucker for a good romance and this was so heartfelt. He'd loved her forever and she ended up with someone else, so for them to get a second chance... *sigh* I was having a good swoon over this one.
I'm not always a fan of children in my romance books but how could I not love these three? They were adorable! I couldn't stop smiling/laughing throughout at some of the stuff that came out of the kids mouths and just in general.
This was definitely something I enjoyed and I look forward to reading more books by the author.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated After the Hurt in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story had two things going for it for me. 1) It was written dual POV which I love. I love being able to be inside the heros head as well as the heroines. 2) It was a second chance love story.
Normally I would love a second chance romance, but I tend to enjoy the ones where the couple is starting with someone new, not someone they have already been and screwed up with. If it were different circumstance, I could understand. However, I felt Pepper was a very selfish person and I was often annoyed by her behavior. Tank wasnt much better but he was far more patient with Pepper than I could have been. I understand that sometimes people need change or to get away, but I felt Pepper went about it completely the wrong way,
I was also annoyed that there didnt seem to be much interaction between the two. Inner monologues are something I like limited in my stories. They tend to tell more than they show so there is little plot progression. If there is too much of it, I tend to find myself skipping over it especially if it doesnt progress the story line (which inner monologues rarely do.)
I felt like this is a story I could have enjoyed had I liked the characters better.
This story had two things going for it for me. 1) It was written dual POV which I love. I love being able to be inside the heros head as well as the heroines. 2) It was a second chance love story.
Normally I would love a second chance romance, but I tend to enjoy the ones where the couple is starting with someone new, not someone they have already been and screwed up with. If it were different circumstance, I could understand. However, I felt Pepper was a very selfish person and I was often annoyed by her behavior. Tank wasnt much better but he was far more patient with Pepper than I could have been. I understand that sometimes people need change or to get away, but I felt Pepper went about it completely the wrong way,
I was also annoyed that there didnt seem to be much interaction between the two. Inner monologues are something I like limited in my stories. They tend to tell more than they show so there is little plot progression. If there is too much of it, I tend to find myself skipping over it especially if it doesnt progress the story line (which inner monologues rarely do.)
I felt like this is a story I could have enjoyed had I liked the characters better.
Debbiereadsbook (1087 KP) rated Courting Mr. Cutthroat (Campy Romances #3) in Books
Oct 31, 2021
cute read
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I enjoyed this, it just didn't blow me away.
It's a lovely sweet, small town, second chance (kinda) romance, with some steam, but not too much.
Cutter's art sounded interesting, and I googled nuts and bolts art to see what came up, and I loved them!
I liked that Gemma still held her crush for Cutter, even after all this time. And Cutter too, to an extent, held his feelings for Gemma but it takes time for him to fully admit to them and give in.
I loved that, while Cutter and his brothers appeared to have everything, being born into wealth, it's clear that money doesn't really buy you happiness.
It was a nice book, and someone will love but I couldn't, and for that I'm sorry!
3 solid stars
same worded review will appear elsewhere
I enjoyed this, it just didn't blow me away.
It's a lovely sweet, small town, second chance (kinda) romance, with some steam, but not too much.
Cutter's art sounded interesting, and I googled nuts and bolts art to see what came up, and I loved them!
I liked that Gemma still held her crush for Cutter, even after all this time. And Cutter too, to an extent, held his feelings for Gemma but it takes time for him to fully admit to them and give in.
I loved that, while Cutter and his brothers appeared to have everything, being born into wealth, it's clear that money doesn't really buy you happiness.
It was a nice book, and someone will love but I couldn't, and for that I'm sorry!
3 solid stars
same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (11721 KP) rated The Executioner in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 26, 2023)
This short story briefly mentions a local myth and legend about The Executioner, but apart from that, the story is mainly a second-chance romance. On a team-building weekend, something goes wrong and they end up with two dead bodies. Maddie needs to keep it together as Team Leader to assist the police, whilst also figuring out if she will forgive her ex, Nick.
This is a fast-paced story that nevertheless manages to tell the complete story and give you a hint of the mysterious too. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this makes a perfect coffee break book. Recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 8, 2016
This is a fast-paced story that nevertheless manages to tell the complete story and give you a hint of the mysterious too. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this makes a perfect coffee break book. Recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 8, 2016
Gail (4 KP) rated Second Chance with a Highlander in Books
Jun 4, 2018
(spoiler alert)
I love historical romance books. To read about a time different than today. Sarah Mitchell delivered that in this book. When you thought it was over she through you a twist you could never guess. I was afraid she would leave me hanging but she delivered and ending I would’ve never dreamed of and I loved it. A lot of people can guess what happens but not with this book. It’s unique and it keeps you in the moment. Great Job!
To get a second chance at anything is a blessing to get a second chance at life is true miracle. That is what Kate received. After going through life hoping to see her next birthday Kate can feel this is the end. She only finds comfort in her dreams where she is loved by a mysterious man.
I loved how the characters are written. Kate is strong minded and she doesn’t take crap and stands up for what she feels is right. Thrust back in time to lands unknown she is wounded and on deaths door again when her dream man is there to save her. She doesn’t bow down to his commands or agree to his every word. She is fierce.
Connor is Scottish and wears a kilt. That’s all that needs to be said. From jump he felt protective of Kate. He showed so much loyalty. He gave up things that other lairds wouldn’t. I could visualize him and his voice. You need a sip of Connor juice you wont regret it.
I love historical romance books. To read about a time different than today. Sarah Mitchell delivered that in this book. When you thought it was over she through you a twist you could never guess. I was afraid she would leave me hanging but she delivered and ending I would’ve never dreamed of and I loved it. A lot of people can guess what happens but not with this book. It’s unique and it keeps you in the moment. Great Job!
To get a second chance at anything is a blessing to get a second chance at life is true miracle. That is what Kate received. After going through life hoping to see her next birthday Kate can feel this is the end. She only finds comfort in her dreams where she is loved by a mysterious man.
I loved how the characters are written. Kate is strong minded and she doesn’t take crap and stands up for what she feels is right. Thrust back in time to lands unknown she is wounded and on deaths door again when her dream man is there to save her. She doesn’t bow down to his commands or agree to his every word. She is fierce.
Connor is Scottish and wears a kilt. That’s all that needs to be said. From jump he felt protective of Kate. He showed so much loyalty. He gave up things that other lairds wouldn’t. I could visualize him and his voice. You need a sip of Connor juice you wont regret it.
Kristie (106 KP) rated The Ones Who Got Away (The Ones Who Got Away, #1) in Books
Sep 18, 2018
Loved it
The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren is one of the best romance novels I have read in awhile. I love a good second chance at love story and this was one of the best I've read. I really enjoyed the story line of high school sweethearts torn apart by tragedy who meet back up unexpectedly years later. They help each other overcome the pain of the past and discover that they can be happy again. This whole story was just beautifully written. I loved when the group of friends who bonded after the shooting came back together and that bond was re-established once again. I am a new reader of Roni Loren's but I enjoyed her writing so much that I will definitely be watching for more from her in the future. I loved the sneak peek of Rebecca's story at the end and I can't wait to read her and the other survivors stories next.
Merissa (11721 KP) rated Love, Isidor in Books
Sep 15, 2023
LOVE, ISIDOR is a short standalone that details a second-chance romance. We join Henri after he and Isidor have been separated for a decade. He receives a letter from his old flame out of the blue and he has a decision to make.
For all this is a short story, it has everything you could ask for. Told from Henri's perspective, you still manage to hear Isidor's words in the letters he wrote. And, my word, they are so heartfelt. You find out the reason they split, and what they've been up to since, as well as catching up with them now.
This was a great story that was full of emotion and I loved every word. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 15, 2023
For all this is a short story, it has everything you could ask for. Told from Henri's perspective, you still manage to hear Isidor's words in the letters he wrote. And, my word, they are so heartfelt. You find out the reason they split, and what they've been up to since, as well as catching up with them now.
This was a great story that was full of emotion and I loved every word. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 15, 2023
Kara Skinner (332 KP) rated A Most Unconventional Courtship in Books
Sep 10, 2019
“Do you not recall last night?” The hidden speaker came into view at last. There was a moment of crowded thought and he realized his mouth was hanging open.
“I remember nothing of it at all, and I’m sure I’d remember you.” He would have to be dead not to, he thought, studying the tall, slender figure standing in front of him, hands on her hips and an expression of exasperated disapproval on her oval, golden face. A veritable Greek beauty, he thought.
There is an instant attraction between Benedict Casper Chancellor, Earl of Blakeny and Alessa, an independent woman in the Greek town of Corfu. Alessa hates everything he stands for– conservative, high society England. It was the very thing her father ran away from all those years ago. But when Chance realizes English relatives of Alessa are looking for her, he wants to acquaint her to her family, and bring her to England where he could court her properly. He was convinced the life of an English noblewoman would be better suited for her than her life full of hard work and responsibilities. But Alessa isn’t willing to give up her independence. yet, especially when her aunt says Alessa cannot bring her two orphaned wards to England with her and then kidnaps her to save her own reputation. Chance will do anything to get her back, even becoming a pirate.
Despite the great opening line in this book– “Someone was trying to commit murder, and apparently they were doing it on her front step.”– I had a difficult time enjoying the first few chapters. They went by slowly with the character introductions and world-building. All of it was necessary, but I wish there was some more action and passion during that time. I liked Alessa a lot. I enjoy strong leads, anyway, especially in historical romance, but in the second half of the book, the dynamic between her and Chance was fantastic. A lot of the conflict in this story was caused by jumping to conclusions, however. That can be good sometimes, but if that’s the main reason for conflict, then I feel cheated. It’s lazy no matter how consistent the jumps are to the character. But the chemistry between Chance and Alessa definitely make this story worth reading at least once, especially for historical romance readers who particularly like world and plot development.
“I remember nothing of it at all, and I’m sure I’d remember you.” He would have to be dead not to, he thought, studying the tall, slender figure standing in front of him, hands on her hips and an expression of exasperated disapproval on her oval, golden face. A veritable Greek beauty, he thought.
There is an instant attraction between Benedict Casper Chancellor, Earl of Blakeny and Alessa, an independent woman in the Greek town of Corfu. Alessa hates everything he stands for– conservative, high society England. It was the very thing her father ran away from all those years ago. But when Chance realizes English relatives of Alessa are looking for her, he wants to acquaint her to her family, and bring her to England where he could court her properly. He was convinced the life of an English noblewoman would be better suited for her than her life full of hard work and responsibilities. But Alessa isn’t willing to give up her independence. yet, especially when her aunt says Alessa cannot bring her two orphaned wards to England with her and then kidnaps her to save her own reputation. Chance will do anything to get her back, even becoming a pirate.
Despite the great opening line in this book– “Someone was trying to commit murder, and apparently they were doing it on her front step.”– I had a difficult time enjoying the first few chapters. They went by slowly with the character introductions and world-building. All of it was necessary, but I wish there was some more action and passion during that time. I liked Alessa a lot. I enjoy strong leads, anyway, especially in historical romance, but in the second half of the book, the dynamic between her and Chance was fantastic. A lot of the conflict in this story was caused by jumping to conclusions, however. That can be good sometimes, but if that’s the main reason for conflict, then I feel cheated. It’s lazy no matter how consistent the jumps are to the character. But the chemistry between Chance and Alessa definitely make this story worth reading at least once, especially for historical romance readers who particularly like world and plot development.
Merissa (11721 KP) rated Regret (Under My Skin #1) in Books
Apr 30, 2018
Regret (Under My Skin #1) by Christina Lee
Regret is the first book in the Under My Skin series, and is a fantastic second-chance romance. Brin fell hard for Nick when he was younger, but due to Nick's 'cowardice' they broke up before things could really get started. Fast forward and Brin finds out that Nick is the roommate of his friend, where he will also be staying whilst his condo is put back together after a flood. Brin finds out he still holds a lot of resentment towards Nick, and feelings too. He is confused over what he feels, and gives Nick hell, who just seems to accept everything Brin throws at him. Brin becomes intrigued and is determined to find out more, as Nick continues to worm his way past Brin's defences and into his heart.
This story is a second chance story, with a hint of enemies to lovers, and also an openly gay vs. closeted in the mix too. There is something here for everyone, and it is exceedingly well told. Although Brin can hold onto a grudge, he is also prepared to accept people have changed. It may take him a while, but he isn't completely closed off to the notion. As for Nick, boy, that man really needs to have some therapy. I can completely understand the guilt he feels, but to hold onto it for so long, so strongly, well, it made my heart break.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this was a story that pulled me in and wouldn't let go until I'd finished. Absolutely brilliant, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This story is a second chance story, with a hint of enemies to lovers, and also an openly gay vs. closeted in the mix too. There is something here for everyone, and it is exceedingly well told. Although Brin can hold onto a grudge, he is also prepared to accept people have changed. It may take him a while, but he isn't completely closed off to the notion. As for Nick, boy, that man really needs to have some therapy. I can completely understand the guilt he feels, but to hold onto it for so long, so strongly, well, it made my heart break.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this was a story that pulled me in and wouldn't let go until I'd finished. Absolutely brilliant, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Touch of Fire (Western Ladies, #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I got to page 182 when I just had to stop - the book wasn't totally horrible but I didn't like it. I didn't hate or love, like or dislike either Annie or Rafe, which in a romance I need to like at least one of them to keep reading. Annie was a personality that changed; one second she's a strong, independent woman, the next a simpering, dependent, and insecure girl. I hate when authors make characters go from one extreme to another like that. The plot and pacing were rather slow and not that interesting either. The thing I disliked the most was the loves scenes, if you can even call them that. They felt weird and wrong, were disturbing, and not romantic in the least. I think that covers my main reason for not continuing other than not caring to finish the book.
This is the second book of Linda Howard's I haven't cared for, but the first I didn't finish. Even though everyone seems to absolutely adore her books I'm beginning to think they aren't for me. However, I will read Son of the Morning because I love time-travels, and will most likely give at least one of her other books I have lying around and a romantic suspense novel a chance before I write her off for good.
This is the second book of Linda Howard's I haven't cared for, but the first I didn't finish. Even though everyone seems to absolutely adore her books I'm beginning to think they aren't for me. However, I will read Son of the Morning because I love time-travels, and will most likely give at least one of her other books I have lying around and a romantic suspense novel a chance before I write her off for good.